Tuning Analysis: Deep Bmaj6/9 Re-entrant Tuning

This is a truly distinctive and deep tuning that immediately strikes with its extremely low 6th string and a unique re-entrant characteristic. It's designed to deliver a rich, resonant sound with a strong foundational bass, perfect for evoking a darker, atmospheric, or even majestic mood. The open strings form a complex yet beautiful B major 6/9 chord, suggesting a sophisticated harmonic landscape ideal for fingerstyle, intricate arpeggios, or adding a unique texture to various genres from folk to progressive rock. The widely spaced intervals and the unexpected jump in pitch between the 4th and 5th strings will challenge and inspire players to explore new melodic and harmonic possibilities, far removed from standard guitar voicings.

Technical Breakdown

This is a Re-entrant Dropped B tuning with a B major 6/9 open chord voicing. The notes are B1-F#3-B2-D#4-G#4-C#5, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. Notably, the 5th string (F#3) is tuned higher in pitch than the 4th string (B2), creating a re-entrant configuration. The open strings themselves form a B major triad (B, D#, F#) with an added major 6th (G#) and major 9th (C#), resulting in a rich Bmaj6/9 chord. The overall tuning is significantly lower than standard EADGBe, with the 6th string dropping a perfect fourth to B1, providing a powerful, sub-bass foundation. This setup lends itself to dense harmonic voicings and allows for interesting melodic counterpoints due to the string arrangement.

Open Chords and Playability

The open tuning directly presents a full Bmaj6/9 chord, offering a rich sonic palette without fretting. This makes it excellent for arpeggiated patterns or fingerpicking, where the unique voicings can shine. Players can easily achieve variations by simply barring across frets. For instance, barring at the 1st fret would yield a Cmaj6/9 voicing, and at the 2nd fret, a C#maj6/9. The re-entrant string arrangement will require a different approach to strumming and lead lines, encouraging creative exploration of the fretboard and opening up new melodic pathways not typically found in standard tunings.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Deep Bmaj6/9 Re-entrant Tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the movements below. Remember that significant tuning changes may affect string tension and intonation, and for larger drops, a heavier gauge string set is often recommended.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very significant drop. A heavier gauge string set is strongly advised for optimal tension, tone, and intonation.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string set is recommended for maintaining good string tension and playability.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

Tuning Notes

• 6th String: B1
• 5th String: F#3
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: D#4
• 2nd String: G#4
• 1st String: C#5